D.C. Current

Russia's Invasion of Ukraine May Slow U.S. Base Closures

Putin's next moves could determine what happens to the downsizing plan.

Russia's seizure of Crimea might buy time for defense contractors bracing for a smaller military and for investors holding some $24 billion in military housing-privatization bonds, a quarter of which are uninsured. Members of Congress are giving the gimlet eye to a request by the military brass to initiate a round of base realignment and closures—known as BRAC—which would include downsizing the Army to pre-World War II levels. Debate on this is expected to begin in the House in May.